Hyundai Motor Earns Double Victory at 2026 What Car? Awards with SANTA FE and IONIQ 6 N
- SANTA FE named Seven-seat SUV of the Year by What Car?, continuing its legacy of excellence
- IONIQ 6 N wins Best Electric Performance Car, showcasing Hyundai N’s electric evolution
- Awards underscore Hyundai Motor’s global recognition for design, innovation, performance and everyday usability across key segments
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Hyundai Motor Company has further solidified its position as a global automotive leader, earning two major accolades at the 2026 What Car? Awards.
What Car? named Hyundai SANTA FE its Seven-seat SUV of the Year and Hyundai IONIQ 6 N its Best Electric Performance Car, applauding both for their standout design, innovation, performance and everyday usability.
What Are the What Car? Awards?
The What Car? Awards are among the automotive industry’s most respected honors, backed by rigorous, independent vehicle testing and expert jury assessments each year. Hyundai Motor’s consistent success in this program highlights its ability to deliver top-tier vehicles that meet diverse customer expectations across multiple categories and powertrains.
Why Did the SANTA FE Win?
By earning the Seven-seat SUV of the Year title, the multi-award-winning SANTA FE further reinforces its reputation as a benchmark in the large SUV market:
- Legacy of Excellence: This win builds on previous awards for both conventional and electrified versions of SANTA FE.
- Versatility and Comfort: Judges praised its family-friendly design, spacious interior and three-row seating with fold-flat functionality for everyday practicality.
- Cutting-edge Features: SANTA FE’s advanced safety and convenience technologies, paired with its bold and distinctive exterior design, impressed the jury.
What Sets IONIQ 6 N Apart?
Hyundai N’s performance capabilities shone through as IONIQ 6 N claimed the title of Best Electric Performance Car:
- Redefining Electric Performance: IONIQ 6 N demonstrates how Hyundai N translates its renowned performance DNA into the electric era.
- Impressive Engineering: Judges commended its dynamic balance, driver engagement and advanced performance technologies, helping it outshine competitors in the segment.
- Building on Success: This award continues the legacy begun by IONIQ 5 N, showcasing the brand’s growing dominance in the global high-performance electric vehicle (EV) market.
What Does This Mean for Hyundai?
These accolades exemplify Hyundai Motor’s ability to deliver world-class vehicles that resonate with customers and industry experts alike:
- Diverse Excellence: From family SUVs to high-performance EVs, Hyundai Motor demonstrates its prowess across multiple segments.
- Industry Recognition: The awards reinforce Hyundai Motor as a respected innovator in mobility solutions, recognized by leading global authorities.
These latest honors are a testament to Hyundai Motor’s commitment to excellence across diverse vehicle segments, from family-focused SUVs to cutting-edge electric performance models.
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Wolfgang Würth
Director PR & Communications
[email protected]Adriana Cerami
Head of Corporate & Brand PR
[email protected]Conor Twomey
Head of Product PR
[email protected]Elvira Vella-Herrera
Executive & Internal Communications Senior Expert
[email protected]Maria Bricio
Corporate & Brand Communications Expert
[email protected]Adrian Péré
Product PR Manager
[email protected]Katharina Kupper
Hyundai Newsroom Lead
[email protected]Patricia Lammers
Corporate Communications Expert
[email protected]Miguel Lopez
Product PR Specialist
